Social Justice Institute
Every January, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging sponsors a leadership institute that allows students to explore how oppression impacts true equality. The highlight of the institute is the trip to an urban center where students participate in service opportunities at agencies dedicated to social justice work.
The program is open to all class years. Space is limited. Most consideration will be given to applications that are thoughtful, reflective, and demonstrate a commitment to the experience.
The 2020 Social Justice Institute explored the theme of “Maintaining Dignity Amidst Poverty.”
This year’s trip partnered with local and NYC-based community organizations to provide students an opportunity to participate in immersive service. The community partners for the 2020 SJI were Art of Recycle (Ephrata, PA), Fordham-Bedford Community Services (Bronx, NYC), Gods Love We Deliver (Manhattan, NYC), and Part of the Solution (Bronx, NYC).
At each location, LVC students helped in different ways from delivering goods with Gods Love We Deliver, to cleaning and stocking shelves at the Art of Recycle thrift store, and assisting with meal prep and in the good pantry at Part of the Solution.